French Legends: The Life and Legacy of Cardinal Richelieu

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Jack Chekijian

Length: 1 hr and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Deception is the knowledge of kings." - Cardinal Richelieu

A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors' French series, listeners can get caught up to speed on the lives of France's most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.

In an age where it was difficult to steer clear of a king's wrath and keep one's head for their entire life, Armand Jean du Plessis managed to become the power behind a king. The royal courts of 17th and 18th century France were famed for powerful and versatile Ministers like Talleyrand and the Comte de Vergennes, yet none have held as much sway like the man best known to the world today as Cardinal Richelieu.

Decades before becoming the most important person in Louis XIII's court, Richelieu worked his way up through the Catholic Church and politics on parallel tracks, so that in a span of two years he became both a Cardinal and the king's Chief Minister. From there, Richelieu molded the functions of his position to such a powerful extent that he is often viewed today as akin to the world's first Prime Minister. For a generation, Richelieu literally had his hand in every important decision, forever altering the destiny of both France and Europe as a whole.

©2012 Charles River Editors (P)2015 Charles River Editors

Timeline of Cardinal Richelieu

What did you love best about French Legends: The Life and Legacy of Cardinal Richelieu?

It provided a good timeline of events and actions of Cardinal Richelieu. He was one of five children and a sickly child. He became a French clergyman and was a nobleman. He went to Paris where he seemed to be promiscuous.

What was one of the most memorable moments of French Legends: The Life and Legacy of Cardinal Richelieu?

There were many. He moved in the right circles and rose in the Catholic Church. He always seemed to be at the right place at the right time.

What about Jack Chekijian’s performance did you like?

He provides a more clear understanding with a nice tonal quality in his voice. He's one of my favorite narrators, especially with the Charles Rivers Editors.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There was a lot of history packed into this audiobook. History of the Cardinal who was involved with many people and places.

Any additional comments?

Audiobook received in exchange for an honest review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful